The State Government on Thursday gave its stamp of approval to the recommendation of the inter-departmental committee on mines for reopening of 26 closed mines under the new Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik cleared the proposal of the Steel and Mines Department for extension of lease period of the 26 mines as per the amended MMDR Act,” sources familiar with the development said.
The inter-departmental committee headed by Development Commissioner U N Behera had recommended to the State Government on April 4 for reopening of the 26 mines, including eight iron ore and manganese ore mines, which were operating under express orders.
The Supreme Court, in its May 16, 2014 order, had asked the State Government to halt operation in the 26 mines which were waiting for second and subsequent renewal, saying that automatic renewal of mining lease after 20 years of first renewal was illegal.
The Government reopened eight mines of Tata Steel, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Odisha Mining Corporation in June last year by passing express orders in terms of Section 8 (3) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. However, no decision was taken on the remaining 18 mines.
Out of the mines operating under express order, lease deeds have been executed for three mines belonging to SAIL and one belonging to OMC has been given an extension. The committee had recommended extension of lease period of four mines of Tata steel, VK Lal and ACC, Bargarh operating under express order. With the Government approval for operationalisation of 26 mines, the lessees have to execute fresh lease deed for the extended lease period. As per the new MMDR Act, the lease period of captive mines have been extended till 2030 while for non-captive mines the extended lease period is up to 2020.
The mining lease holders have to obtain pending regulatory approvals and clearances, if any, within three months. Apart from statutory clearances, the lessees have to achieve complete diversion of forest land and pay NPV (Net Present Values) dues in lieu of forest land diverted for mining activity, the sources said.
Source: the New indian Express
- metaljunction »
- Metal News
Metal News & Events
METALJUNCTION PUBLICATIONS
Coal Insights (English) Monthly
![Steel Insights](/assets/images/news/coal-insights.jpg)
Coal Insights is a ready reckoner for anyone associated with coal. This publication is aimed at tracking everything related to coal in India.
India Coal Market Watch(English) Monthly
![Steel Insights](/assets/images/news/ICMW_Jan09.gif)
ICMW is a one-stop source for all news, data and research pertaining to coal demand, consumption, stocks, spot- and long-term prices with respect to the Indian Market.
India Steel Market Watch (English) Monthly
![Steel Insights](/assets/images/news/ISMW.gif)
ISMW is a brand new high-end steel market report, covering all aspects of the steel industry in India.
Steel Insights(English) Monthly
![Steel Insights](/assets/images/news/SteelInsights.jpg)
Steel Insights delves into various facets of the domestic and global steel industry such as market fundamentals, raw material price trends, price forecasts etc.